One of the things on some dog owner’s list is to crate train their dogs. Most of my client’s dogs are either crate trained or are in the process of being so. Besides the added benefit of helping a puppy with house training, crate training an adult dog comes with a lot of perks for…
I have often read and even used the phrase myself of “setting boundaries” for dogs. But what exactly do we mean by this? And why (and if) should we set boundaries? The dictionary defines boundary as: a line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing lines. A boundary wall. A limit of a…
As part of my ongoing education, I attend monthly webinars that touch upon different topics surrounding behavior and training. This month’s topic related to the questions of: Are we asking too much of our pets? And, if so, what specific environments or concepts can put a pet’s well-being at stake? Funny that this particular topic…
I get a call from a gentleman that has just adopted a puppy. He tells me he has had many dogs throughout his life and that he is well-versed in “all things dogs,” but he feels that this time around he needs some help because he is not sure how to handle his young keep’s…
This morning I am hanging out with the dogs. Deuce comes over to me and wants my attention. I began by gently stroking his ears, which he enjoys. Rio, whom is close by, pushes her body onto Deuce hoping to stop my interaction with him and getting some of the affection. Deuce turns towards her…
Tools such as a Flexi leash are supposed to help us accomplish something either in an easier or more efficient way. The Flexi leash has been around for a while and I would argue that its use is quite popular. Most folks that use a Flexi leash to walk their dog might do it for…
For some dogs impulse control at the front door is literally mission impossible. Rio is one of those dogs! Her impulse control in other circumstances such as waiting to be released to go after a toy is superb. The reason behind the lack of impulse control at the front door could be for a myriad…
If you just got a new puppy a congratulations is in order. Now that you have your puppy at home, you will have to have all sorts of protocols in place so that your puppy can thrive and you can get some sleep while your home remains undisturbed. Puppy-hood can be a real challenge for…
It is early in the morning and I am still in bed. My eyes are closed, yet I can still feel a pair of eye staring at me. Then I hear a tiny whimper; and now I am pretending to be asleep. I keep my eyes closed for that effect and try hard not to…
Have you ever wondered if your dog is truly reinforced by your petting? Do you think that your dog would find your petting to be more reinforcing than that of a stranger? And what about praise? Is it a relevant and sought-after reinforcer for dogs? The answers may surprise you… In a recent study conducted by…